Common use of Interpretive Services Clause in Contracts

Interpretive Services. (A) The Contractor shall provide oral interpretive services available free of charge for all non- English languages, not just those the Department identifies as prevalent, on an as-needed basis. These requirements shall extend to telephone communications to ensure that Enrollees are able to communicate with the Contractor and the Contractor’s Participating Providers and receive Covered Services. (B) Professional interpreters shall be used when needed where technical, medical, or treatment information is to be discussed, or where use of a family member or friend as interpreter is inappropriate. A family member or friend may be used as an interpreter if this method is requested by the patient, and the use of such a person would not compromise the effectiveness of services or violate the patient’s confidentiality, and the patient is advised that a free interpreter is available. (C) The Contractor shall ensure that its Participating Providers have interpretative services available. (D) Nothing in this Article shall be construed to relieve Providers of their obligations to provide interpretive services under federal law.